Kiwis consider Anzac Day more important than Waitangi Day - poll

File photo / Brett Phibbs

A clear majority of New Zealanders say that Anzac Day means more to them than Waitangi Day, according to a UMR Research poll.

The poll asked 1000 New Zealanders 18 years and over which day meant more to them personally, with 60 per cent saying that Anzac Day did, while just 8 per cent said Waitangi Day was more important.

Twenty-nine per cent thought both were equally meaningful to them.

Maori answered the poll differently, with 29 per cent saying Anzac Day meant more to them, while 14 per cent felt Waitangi Day meant more.

Fifty-six per cent thought that both days were equally meaningful.

National Party voters (78 per cent), those whose highest qualification was from high school (67 per cent) and those aged over 60 were particularly likely to say Anzac Day was the more meaningful occasion.

People with postgraduate qualifications (39 per cent), Green Party voters (39 per cent), Labour Party voters (34 per cent) and those aged under 30 (33 per cent) were relatively likely to say both days were equally important.

Green Party voters (21 per cent) and people with postgraduate qualifications (17 per cent) were by far the most likely to say Waitangi Day meant more to them than Anzac Day.

"The poll almost certainly reflects the ongoing tensions over Waitangi Day and how it should be acknowledged, with ANZAC Day being relatively uncontroversial,'' UMR research director Gavin White said.

Results were from questions included in the UMR Online Omnibus Survey conducted between March 28 and April 8, 2013.

The margin of error for a 50% figure at the 95% confidence level is +/- 3.1 per cent.